https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1Uf8J6DTuiNreoHAeLxPxW57gEoH3ATN316JgtsExG0g

Here is my comparison, hope everyone likes it.

Article written by - Jonathon N. Cummings, Brian Butler, and Robert Kraut
http://tiny.cc/k6gbe

This is a great article that compares online and face to face social interaction.

What I found most interesting was the in person communication between social partners. internet social partners are 2 times less like to have face to face communication, however, they still do have personal communication on a regular monthly basis. This clearly shows that social media is used as a supplement to communicating, but not not used as the ONLY form of communication. This article was written in 2002, so IM and email were king. Myspace was not very popular, and I believe face book hadn't even been started. So by adding face book, myspace, digg, bebo, and other social media sites, you can assume acquaintances can communicate more often than those who are not involved in social media.

Much of the study is dedicated to work place communication as well. It shows the increase in communication email has on the workplace. Again, the article is from 2002, but it shows the power of virtual communication.

Not sure how helpful this is, but I am using this site for my 503 class. It is very much like Bubble, (but not as cool in my opinion). I am struggling with all of the theory and "big words" in my 503 class, but I move forward.

I found this short video describing the difference between a PLE and a VLE. I thought it was appropriate for our discussion of PLE's, and PLN's. VLE is a virtual learning environment that allows people to share idea's and content virtually. The author's make a reference to using VLE's in a University environment, which seems to fit in perfectly with this module's discussions. They give wonderful examples of resources for research to social networking. I wonder if we are going to discuss VLE's this semester?

This site can be used to help students who are looking to attend a 4 year College find the right school. You will find that it has many search features and cool resources to help prospective college students refine their choice(s) of schools. These days researching schools is an educational experience.

How do I share something as opposed to just "starting" a conversation. I am assuming that I need to share my two submissions, and not just start a discussion? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Over the past 6 months in the M.ET program at BSU I have discovered I love online learning. My true passion is History, specifically American Military History. I hope to teach the subject someday at the High School or Junior College level (Perhaps virtually?).meetup.com, this is a great resource for anyone who has an interest in anything and wants to find or recruit those who share that interest. You can go to http://www.meetup.com/Military-History-Enthusiasts/calendar/14425338/ to see an example of how this network is used. It has many tools that can be used in an educational setting. You can create a group and invite others to join (those that you may be teaching in a course) and welcome others who share an interest in the topic. It could be a great way to give your students outside perspectives on the topic you are teaching. It is truly an open learning community.